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Site Name: Guernsey - Torteval Monitoring Post

The original Torteval Post occupied the former German 2 level command post
of Batterie Generaloberst Dollmann on the cliff top overlooking Gull Rock. This
is a distinctive two level semi-sunken bunker with a square roof raised on pillars
above the rangefinder position.

The site was abandoned in the late 1980's following persistent vandalism and
a new post opened in one of the islands four telephone network junction bunkers.

The original post (click)

These bunkers were built on the route of the network of telephone cables linking
all the major fortification sites on the island. They also acted as repair centres
for field telephones and equipment.

The single level surface bunker is located at he rear of a large compound 75
yards west of Rue des Poetelettes but only accessible through the garden of a
private house. There is a mast on the roof but no probes and sensors as they are
located on the former BBC TV mast at Pleinmont with the data being relayed to
the bunker by telephone. The monitoring instrument is also located at the BBC
mast.

There are two doors at the front of the bunker, one gives access to the former
generator and battery rooms which now house a new generator to provide power for
the bunker.

The other door, at one end of the building passes through the German airlock
and entrance defence room into the old crew room, the largest room in the bunker.
This is still used as the recreation and dining area but is sparsely furnished
with a trestle table, chairs and a Calor gas cooker.

Photo: German
writing and the old emergency exit tunnel
Photo by Nick Catford

Where possible German artefacts have been left in place, there are numerous
signs around the walls which have not been painted over and some original ventilation
trunking and overpressure valves. There was an emergency escape shaft in this
room. The entrance door is still in place but the shaft is blocked at the surface.

The monitoring room (click)

On the far side of the room as door leads into the
20' X 12' monitoring room (formerly the German equipment room). This post has
been completely unmanned since 2000 following the death of the caretaker and it
only contains a long table, a telephone socket and a coaxial cable and plug. In
the event of an emergency further equipment would be brought in to bring the post
up to an operational standard. There are also chairs and some more German ventilation
trunking and signs.

At the far side of the monitoring room a door leads into a long thin room.
This was the telephone switchgear room. All the original switchgear is still intact
on one wall and is still used for the incoming and outgoing telephone feeds into
the bunker. In the event of an emergency the monitoring post would be manned but
as the instrument is located at the BBC mast the post is generally unmanned.